Robert Cray is a Grammy award winning musician. He is both a blues guitarist and a soul singer. His discography is an impressive collection of albums. While re-inventing himself his critics often feel he is too "soulful" or that he isn't "bluesy" enough. Robert Cray satisfies himself first and we are the beneficiaries, for overall he has been one of our most consistently excellent producers of music in both genres.

His latest album is called "Twenty" but it's actually his fourteenth. "Twenty" has received similar criticism perhaps for its topical title song. The song is about a soldier only "Twenty" who goes to Iraq. Primarily however Robert Cray's music doesn't reach out and grab you as much as it slowly envelops you. The opening track is about a two-timing guy who gets two barrels. It is got a nice feel that hides the violent ending our "Poor Johnny" is about to receive. Other songs written by Robert Cray include "That Ain't Love", "Fadin' Away", and "It Doesn't Show". Robert Cray covers William Bell and Booker T. Jones' "I Forgot To Be Your Lover" and it is one of the best songs on the album.

The band consists of Jim Pugh, keyboards; Kevin Hayes, drums; and Karl Sevareid, bass and they have helped with the songwriting chores. "My Last Regret" and "Two Steps from The End" were written by Jim Pugh. The relentless "Does It Really Matter" was co-written by Jim Pugh and Scott Mathews and it rocks from start to finish. Jim Pugh and John Hanes co-wrote "I Know You Will". Chris and Kevin Hayes, contribute "I'm Walkin". The band performances are strong throughout the recording.

Robert Cray's voice has a warmth and sensuality about it similar to Al Green. His guitar phrasing is always excellent (listen to his solo on "Two Steps from The End") but I was still unprepared for the live performance he gave this past June at Irving Plaza. I hadn't yet seen him live and he was magnificent. I should have known to expect nothing less as his recordings have been consistently superb throughout his career. Repeated listening will make you want to go out and purchase all of his previous work, unless of course you already have them all. Kudos to Robert.

Richard Ludmerer
Director, The New York Blues & Jazz Society
ricdale2@yahoo.com